Having a Baby in Italy

Having a baby in Italy as an expat can be an exciting and unique experience, with a blend of quality healthcare and cultural nuances. Italy's healthcare system is highly regarded, and both public and private healthcare options are available. Understanding the process and expectations can help ease the journey into parenthood in a new country.

Choosing a Doctor

Finding a healthcare provider is one of the first steps for expats planning to have a baby in Italy. You can choose between a gynecologist, obstetrician, or midwife for prenatal care and delivery. English-speaking doctors are available, especially in larger cities and areas with significant expat populations, but the number may be limited compared to local providers. Recommendations from local expat communities or international health insurance providers can be helpful in finding a suitable healthcare professional.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Italy typically involves regular check-ups with your chosen healthcare provider. These appointments usually include ultrasounds, blood tests, and standard screenings to monitor the health of both mother and baby. Italy follows a similar prenatal care schedule to many other European countries, with appointments occurring monthly in the first and second trimesters and more frequently in the third trimester. Public healthcare services provide free or low-cost prenatal care, while private healthcare offers more personalized services at a higher cost.

Do Expats Typically Have Private Health Insurance when Having a Baby in Italy?

Expats in Italy often opt for private health insurance to supplement the public healthcare system, especially when planning to have a baby. Private insurance can provide access to a wider range of services, shorter waiting times, and potentially more personalized care. However, it is not a requirement, and many expats also choose to rely solely on the public healthcare system, which provides adequate and comprehensive care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in Italy can vary depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital. Public hospitals offer high-quality care with experienced medical professionals, but they may have less flexibility in accommodating personal preferences or providing private rooms. Private hospitals, on the other hand, tend to offer more personalized care, private rooms, and a higher level of comfort, but at a higher cost. Both options are safe and reliable, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and budget.

C-Sections in Italy

C-sections in Italy are not uncommon, with rates varying by region. The national average is higher than in some other European countries, but it is important to note that each case is individual and the decision to perform a C-section is based on medical necessity. Elective C-sections are also an option, but they may come with additional costs, especially in private healthcare settings.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in Italy can vary widely. Epidurals are available, but their use is less common compared to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. Natural pain management techniques, such as breathing exercises and relaxation methods, are often encouraged. It is essential to discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider well in advance to ensure they align with your chosen hospital's practices.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Major cities in Italy, such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, have hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). These units provide specialized care for newborns who require additional medical attention. If you live in a smaller town or rural area, it may be necessary to travel to a larger city for access to a NICU. It is advisable to research and locate the nearest NICU as part of your birth plan, especially if you anticipate any complications.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Italy

"It was really positive experience. I gave birth to my daughter to one of the largest public hospitals of Rome - Gemelli and I definitely recommend it to everybody. It is free, delivery room is private and huge with a toilet and shower etc. There was 5 members of the staff with me, including 2 students on practice. Everyone was really nice, caring and professional. As I had a spontaneous birth-giving, I couldn't use any anesthesia, so no experience there. But a couple of weeks before, I had a meeting with anesthesiologist in the same hospital, signed all the papers, and had all things explained, really useful. Almost all doctors there are English-speaking, such a relief! The maternity rooms are semi-private, with a toilet and the shower, and the nursery is next-door. They taking the babies away only for the tests and for the night, from 12 till 6, but if you'll ask, the nurses will leave the baby with you the whole night. The nurses are professional and helpful, you can always ask for the help in changing, brest-feeding etc," commented an expat living in Rome.

"A clarification first, i gave birth in my own country. But arrived from the UK just few weeks before giving birth, so the whole experience was similar to the experience an expatriate would have (not the same of course, but close enough). I gave birth in a public hospital. I chose beforehand a midwife that would assist me through delivery, on top of the midewives that would have been doing their shift, I chose he through word of mouth. I used no pain relief, but didn't want any, I did suffer for few minutes but it was short and overall very good (happy to share how I prepared for the event, but it's a different story). The delivery room was huge, about 6 times bigger than the delivery rooms I had seen in London, great! I had problems with breastfeeding and found the hospital didn't offer much support, although Il Melograno (breastfeeding support org) and a pharmacy offered me great support. I eventually breastfed for 9 months, on a mixed regime," said an expat in Verona.

"The hospital in Vasto offers pre-birthing classes, which are useful for meeting other moms-to-be, and for getting used to the hospital scene. Not so useful for really preparing you for birth. Most of the GYNs are highly qualified and the Obstetricians seem to be more like nurses, however, there are a couple of gyns who are hideous and do not treat patients with respect or understanding. The hospital is trying to update some of their equipment, allowing water births and such, but the basic equipment (iv sack racks, beds, bathrooms, monitors for tracking baby's heartbeat, etc.) are really out-of-date. All the rooms are shared with another patient. If you happen to give birth during a slow time you can pay a small amount of € and have a whole room to yourself. Husbands don't spend the night, babies are all kept in the nursery (still in the 50's?). I had to argue and sign off to accept all responsibility to keep my baby in the room with me so I could nurse her at night. I did not get any reports about the baby's health. She had jaundice and they suspected it and didn't tell me. I was all packed and ready to check out of the hospital after 3 days and they told me to go ahead and go but they were keeping the baby! I flipped and ended up staying another 3 days. I was getting no rest because they had left me the baby and didn't give me any breaks. They are very noisy, about 5 different people pass through your room every day banging stuff and cleaning stuff. Then the nurses are all chatting loudly in the hall right after lunch when you are trying to fall asleep. And, yes, you have to bring your own tp, silverware, wipes, baby clothes, pads, towels, extra blankets and pillows if you want them, etc. Obviously there are no phones for patients to use, so bring a cell phone. Oh, yes, and no epidurals or pain killers unless you are having a c-section," remarked one expat who made the move to Vasto.

"Don't waste your time and money on private clinics. Maybe they will have nicer looking reception and not so many people waiting, but the best professionals are working in large state hospitals, best equipment end supplies are there either. One of my friends had a horrible experience in one of the most popular private clinics - Artemisia," said one expat living in Rome.

"Just be ready for the unexpected and find someone who will advocate for you so that you will have full access to your rights to choose on all the issues like breastfeeding vs. bottles etc," wrote a member in Vasto.

"Italians are obsessed with anything that could go wrong. the british instead tell you Ok you are pregnant so what? millions are. come back in 9 months. The righ approach for me is somewhere in the middle, so don't get too paranoid like most italians do... (but still be carefull with your salad if you haven't had the Toxo) In my town I found great services supporting mom and baby in the first months, and mostly free. But again, don't search on the internet, you won't find. Talk to other mothers, in Italy word of mouth is key," commented one expat who made the move to Verona.